Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Drive 2025

chizzle said:
I'm gonna go back to the PD100 and give it a shot. I do find it too powerful in warm weather with a 1.25mm poly strung at 50. So, I'm going 1.30mm / 16g at like 53lbs for colder weather and as it warms up I'll notch up the tension. I used it last May at sectionals (1.25mm and 49lb setup) - it was pretty hot (mid 90s) with no humidity and I lost all control. Got smoked and went back to a control racquet to grind out a win in the semifinals.

Has anyone else had this experience (maybe this is just fundamental, common sense?) - where you had to go thicker string and higher tension as conditions change (warm up)?

Also, what's a good string for this - most folks defaulting to RPM? Any others? I know a REALLY good 55+ 5.0 who uses a brutal (brutal to string) poly like a Weisscannon UltraCable and just bashes the ball from the baseline. Seems to work well for him. Would love other setups/thoughts. Thanks!
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I normally string in the high 40’s/low 50’s and ended up at 54 lbs with a round 1.30mm string. Tried a few different setups, but liked Tourna Big hitter Silver the best.

Confidential (my favorite string) and Toroline Caviar were both just a bit too launchy esp at the lower tensions. And I think the round string made the racket extremely predictable
 
chizzle said:
I'm gonna go back to the PD100 and give it a shot. I do find it too powerful in warm weather with a 1.25mm poly strung at 50. So, I'm going 1.30mm / 16g at like 53lbs for colder weather and as it warms up I'll notch up the tension. I used it last May at sectionals (1.25mm and 49lb setup) - it was pretty hot (mid 90s) with no humidity and I lost all control. Got smoked and went back to a control racquet to grind out a win in the semifinals.

Has anyone else had this experience (maybe this is just fundamental, common sense?) - where you had to go thicker string and higher tension as conditions change (warm up)?

Also, what's a good string for this - most folks defaulting to RPM? Any others? I know a REALLY good 55+ 5.0 who uses a brutal (brutal to string) poly like a Weisscannon UltraCable and just bashes the ball from the baseline. Seems to work well for him. Would love other setups/thoughts. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I bought a 2025 pd100 from tenniswarehouse last week. I had them string it with volkyl cyclone 17 (1.25) at 55lbs and after 2 sessions I really like it. It makes sense what you are saying about temps. I wouldn't change gauge but tension probably makes sense
 
Got out today for the second time with the pd100. Beat a guy 6-2, 6-2 who is about exactly my ability. We go to tie breakers like 50% of the time. My first serve % was much higher, volleys were great (usually a little lacking). And I was hitting way more winners than usual while moving the ball from side to side keeping him tired. Going to keep rolling with this in dubs on thurs.
 
JonnyAbs said:
Jon,

I saw you updated the swingweight of the PA 98 from lower 320s to 326 after measuring more.

When you were checking the RA of the PD 100s, did you also check their swingweights? It's listed as 317 but I am seeing a lot of youtube videos saying that it is closer to 310. Thoughts?
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JA,

The swingweights were between 283 (313) and 292 (322) save one outlier that was 276 (306), which I removed from inventory. The target is 290.

Regarding RA, I tested some more today and found a cluster of 71s (unstrung).

Jon
 
sadly had to send back my demos today, got to hit with both the pd98 and pd100 2 more times. The PD100 is the winner by far! basically in all aspects, I find it a better racquet besides maybe control which isn't that big of a difference. Serve was booming, at net it was maneuverable, groundstrokes felt so much more comfortable (comfortable for a pure drive) and forgiving, slice was knifing well too. If you don't hit the 98 in the middle it's like hitting the ball with a wood plank. my 98 even though it wasn't much heavier than the pd100 (which I ended up putting a leather grip on) felt weirdly slow. my current racquet which is the strikeVS weighted up quite a bit feels so much quicker somehow. I wish my racquets came strung a bit softer or with a different string. RPM blast at 52 is a bit tough on the arm but also could be not hitting over new years much and the racuqet. I'm thinking if I get the 100 I'd put in RPM team at 48-49 maybe? also maybe a little weight at 3&9 just to get the swing weight to around 325. would that kill the maneuverability?

whatever I do, the new pd100 was a really enjoyable racquet to test. I'm thinking for a more 'modern game' and softer clay courts which I usually play on it'll be a dangerous racquet. once I get the strings and customization right I could maybe get a serve like perricard!
 
TW Staff said:
JA,

The swingweights were between 283 (313) and 292 (322) save one outlier that was 276 (306), which I removed from inventory. The target is 290.

Regarding RA, I tested some more today and found a cluster of 71s (unstrung).

Jon
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Gotcha. 68RA strung sounds about right then.

So you add 30 points of sw when strung. Is that assuming 1.25 gauge string or 1.30?
 
snauwart said:
sadly had to send back my demos today, got to hit with both the pd98 and pd100 2 more times. The PD100 is the winner by far! basically in all aspects, I find it a better racquet besides maybe control which isn't that big of a difference. Serve was booming, at net it was maneuverable, groundstrokes felt so much more comfortable (comfortable for a pure drive) and forgiving, slice was knifing well too. If you don't hit the 98 in the middle it's like hitting the ball with a wood plank. my 98 even though it wasn't much heavier than the pd100 (which I ended up putting a leather grip on) felt weirdly slow. my current racquet which is the strikeVS weighted up quite a bit feels so much quicker somehow. I wish my racquets came strung a bit softer or with a different string. RPM blast at 52 is a bit tough on the arm but also could be not hitting over new years much and the racuqet. I'm thinking if I get the 100 I'd put in RPM team at 48-49 maybe? also maybe a little weight at 3&9 just to get the swing weight to around 325. would that kill the maneuverability?

whatever I do, the new pd100 was a really enjoyable racquet to test. I'm thinking for a more 'modern game' and softer clay courts which I usually play on it'll be a dangerous racquet. once I get the strings and customization right I could maybe get a serve like perricard!
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You're making me look even more forward to getting out there with the 100!!!
 
I think Babolat made a mistake by lowering the RA and making the Pure Drive 2025 less stiff and less powerful. There is already an industry standard with these specs and it is the Ezone 100. I doubt the Pure Drive can carve out an identity in that space. People loved the Pure Drive for its stiff powerful identity and IMO it’s disappointing to see that go.
 
Moveforwardalways said:
I think Babolat made a mistake by lowering the RA and making the Pure Drive 2025 less stiff and less powerful. There is already an industry standard with these specs and it is the Ezone 100. I doubt the Pure Drive can carve out an identity in that space. People loved the Pure Drive for its stiff powerful identity and IMO it’s disappointing to see that go.
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Have you tried the new Pure Drive? To each their own, but the power difference is negligible at best both in my experience and others. In fact, TW‘s own tool verifies it.

Babolat improving the feel, lowering the flex to reduce discomfort while maintaining power is impressive and makes it more competitive against alternatives, mainly the Ezone 100. The racket’s clearly still a Pure Drive. Sure, some will really care a few may notice, but its still very clearly a pure drive. I’ve handed mine to a lot of Pure Drive players and they’re all big fans, a few even planning to upgrade from older models.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if a company makes the racket more accessible to a more broad group of people, while maintaining the best attributes of a racket and improves on its weaknesses (which I believe they did in this case) that’s a good thing. Think of how many people would consider the pure drivel except they have injuries or want slightly better feel. Now, it’s a legitimate option for them
 
I'm pretty sure it's been 72 +/- 3 RA for a long time, same for the target swing weight.

That being said, the Gen11 does feel more comfortable than the previous one. Not necessarily softer, but more plush – honest plush, not muted to death.
 
TW Staff said:
JA,

The swingweights were between 283 (313) and 292 (322) save one outlier that was 276 (306), which I removed from inventory. The target is 290.

Regarding RA, I tested some more today and found a cluster of 71s (unstrung).

Jon
Click to expand...
Hi
I noticed the specs of PA 100 also seemed different.Could you tell me the changes especially on RA.
Thanks！
 
I'm really starting to dig this frame as it is one of those racquets that really does makes tennis easier. I'm getting no arm discomfort as the new tech had really worked in making this racquet feel more plush and comfortable. You would have to be a Yonex fanboy to choose the EZ100 over this as it's so much better. My only gripe is that this is the most fragile paint I have ever encountered on a racquet. I thought the Ezone Aqua Night Black paint was crap but this is even worse. One of my frames already looks like it's over a year old already.
 
A bit oot, sometimes I get confused about my favorite because power and tweener control rackets have their own feel and benefits. If you can play and win matches with EZ, VC, and PD 100, but play/win similarly with tweener control rackets such as Speed Pro, ATS 100p, etc, which one (the only one) would you choose?
 
tophersuwita said:
A bit oot, sometimes I get confused about my favorite because power and tweener control rackets have their own feel and benefits. If you can play and win matches with EZ, VC, and PD 100, but play/win similarly with tweener control rackets such as Speed Pro, ATS 100p, etc, which one (the only one) would you choose?
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The one that’s more fun.

Like, if you said I could win 6-4, 6-3 with a PSVS but I could win 6-3, 6-3 with a Blade Pro, I’m probably going PSVS. It’s got that sizzle.
 
Do you guys like this racket ?? TW demo strung with P1 string poly was like hitting with Dead wood racket with power.........LOL... Would it have play tested any different if i strung it with crisp poly ? :(
 
Nostradamus said:
Do you guys like this racket ?? TW demo strung with P1 string poly was like hitting with Dead wood racket with power.........LOL... Would it have play tested any different if i strung it with crisp poly ? :(
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I haven't played with this one specifically, but I've been on a "try as many strings as possible" journey lately and I'm constantly surprised by how different my racquet plays with different strings. I can say with relative certainty that the strings would make a difference.
 
Cowboy said:
I haven't played with this one specifically, but I've been on a "try as many strings as possible" journey lately and I'm constantly surprised by how different my racquet plays with different strings. I can say with relative certainty that the strings would make a difference.
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this guy hit it right on the mark

 
Nostradamus said:
Do you guys like this racket ?? TW demo strung with P1 string poly was like hitting with Dead wood racket with power.........LOL... Would it have play tested any different if i strung it with crisp poly ? :(
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It’s my main racquet right now, I’m strictly a doubles player and this one checks all the boxes for me. More feel than the previous version.
I started out with Otoro at 49lbs, didn’t love it, now I’ve settled in with Restring Zero 1.24 strung at 48.
 
Nostradamus said:
this guy hit it right on the mark

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Easy to cherry pick one reviewer that didn’t like it. How about the reviews from Beckett at TennComm or Luka from Racquets and Runners who were extremely impressed/complimentary about the frame. Also, Jean Pierre at Team Tennis Fr gave it a great review and this guy is one of the more skilled ball strikers amongst all reviewers.
 
Nostradamus said:
Do you guys like this racket ?? TW demo strung with P1 string poly was like hitting with Dead wood racket with power.........LOL... Would it have play tested any different if i strung it with crisp poly ? :(
Click to expand...
I’ll say that default demo string brings the absolute worst out of racquets lol. Not just the PD. Remarkably bad feedback. It definitely would feel different with a crisp poly. But, if you’re a fan of the 2012 Pure Drive, it’s very possible that you would still feel like this doesn’t have the feel or feedback you expect. I grew up on classic Babolat so I get it, but I think the new feel is very good—gave me a lot of confidence in control— and will be a better option for most people. I cant compare to the 2021 though.
 
fed1 said:
Easy to cherry pick one reviewer that didn’t like it. How about the reviews from Beckett at TennComm or Luka from Racquets and Runners who were extremely impressed/complimentary about the frame. Also, Jean Pierre at Team Tennis Fr gave it a great review and this guy is one of the more skilled ball strikers amongst all reviewers.
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racket just felt really dull and no feel. i was getting plenty of power especially on serves, no problem there. but then when it came time for touch shots like slice, drop shots, angle volley, even regular volley, i had No idea where the ball was going
 
jimdontcare said:
I’ll say that default demo string brings the absolute worst out of racquets lol. Not just the PD. Remarkably bad feedback. It definitely would feel different with a crisp poly. But, if you’re a fan of the 2012 Pure Drive, it’s very possible that you would still feel like this doesn’t have the feel or feedback you expect. I grew up on classic Babolat so I get it, but I think the new feel is very good—gave me a lot of confidence in control— and will be a better option for most people. I cant compare to the 2021 though.
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i might string the demo up with solinco confidential and see what happens if TW will let me
 
jimdontcare said:
I’ll say that default demo string brings the absolute worst out of racquets lol. Not just the PD. Remarkably bad feedback. It definitely would feel different with a crisp poly. But, if you’re a fan of the 2012 Pure Drive, it’s very possible that you would still feel like this doesn’t have the feel or feedback you expect. I grew up on classic Babolat so I get it, but I think the new feel is very good—gave me a lot of confidence in control— and will be a better option for most people. I cant compare to the 2021 though.
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what do you think about stringing it up with full bed Alu power rough ? do you think that will work better ?
 
So I definitely don’t think ALU’s the way to go, I strung it up (non-rough ALU) and immediately felt arm pain (not something I usually have, maybe one other instance) so I cut it out. But I love mine with confidential, caviar, or some other six-sided poly.

I’m curious what you mean by feel? It’s not like the pure drive has ever been the bastion of feel, so what were your expectations?
 
Nostradamus said:
what do you think about stringing it up with full bed Alu power rough ? do you think that will work better ?
Click to expand...
I've never hit with an ALU string so I can't help there. I think Confidential is definitely worth a try. When I demoed for a week, I was thinking Confidential would be the string I thought I'd want to start with if I bought one.
 
How is the manufaacturing consistency with Babolat now ? I've been a Yonex user for the last few years because I know what I getting. I buy an Ezone 100 I know I am getting a 300 gram racquet.
In the past i compared Babolat PD100s and was seeing 294 to 304 weights. (And Wilson was even more inconsistent than Babolat)
 
I bought 3 PD 2025 100. Two are 295 / 296 unstrung, one is 302. I like the 302. A little disappointed about QC.
 
Customizing for a college player who uses the pure drive and his three new ones came in and he dropped them off…with plastic on the handle unstrung:

Racquet 1: static of 298, balance 320, sw 284
Racquet 2: static of 295, 318 balance, sw 280
Racquet 3: static of 296, 315 balance, sw 278

All light…two others I measured had swingweights of 297 and 291, so kind of all over the place. I wouldn’t buy these for myself without a matching service.
 
The reason why I always play and buy Yonex is due to quality control. All these reviews of racquets dont apply if the one you receive
is way different than the one the reviewer is reviewing. Babolat and Wilson are no where near the quality of Yonex.
If you are going to review a Wilson or Babolat racquet... include the specs and serial number of the one in your hand which may be very different than the one someone else has.
 
88fingers said:
The reason why I always play and buy Yonex is due to quality control. All these reviews of racquets dont apply if the one you receive
is way different than the one the reviewer is reviewing. Babolat and Wilson are no where near the quality of Yonex.
If you are going to review a Wilson or Babolat racquet... include the specs and serial number of the one in your hand which may be very different than the one someone else has.
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I think I'm migrating down this path as well...example, both my Ezone 98s came in at 291 SW unstrung, and I've seen many others post a similar finding w/in +/- 2 pts of that swing weight. Pure Drives, Wilsons, Technifibres have been all over the place in my experience over the last year.
 
As I ordered previous PD Wimbledon edition x1, and 30th anniversary edition x2, they are amazingly consistent at 300/301 grams unstrung.
 
stay-on-target-stay-on-topic.png
 
Anyone selected with a Pure Drive 98, grip 3 willing to lend it to me for a long-term demo?
PM me

Demoed for a week when it came out but was worried about stiffness, thinking I'd like to revisit with some different string setups and more time.

Thanks in advance.
 
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